Our library held a book reading incentive over the summer in which the children received coins for each book they ‘read’. Our grandson couldn’t wait to go to the library’s store and spend his coins! One of the things he picked out was an eraser. He was fascinated to see how it “took the black away” from his piece of paper. Only problem was, he wanted to know how we could put it back! This brought back childhood memories of being told how sin made our souls black and that only God could take them away/erase them. This doesn’t match exactly to the description of our sins in Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” (NLT) but the idea is the same. Our sins are a stain of sorts on our souls, be they hypothetically red or black. And only the blood of Jesus can truly cleanse us. As believers, we cry out to Him for forgiveness and He removes the darkened places. “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7 NLT) Not only that, but our heavenly Father promises to remember them no more! “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” (Isaiah 43:25 NLT) And, just like that eraser, He makes it impossible to ‘put them back’!
Bought by His blood………….LoisSPIRITUAL CARE
Fellowship (Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3-8)
The last word of our church’s name seems to point directly to small groups. It certainly is our goal that everyone experiences and knows the joy and peace that come from deep and healthy community within our spiritual family. We’ve given away how high of a priority this is for us by putting it in our name. Is this unique to us? Are we being extreme? Or is this the God-designed way for a church to function. Let’s go back to the start of the church and then read some words from someone who was very close to Jesus. We will see that our war on loneliness and isolation is in the dead center of the target for our church because fellowship is God’s prescription for every single believer.WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY:
Join us at 6:30 for coffee & a sweet treat before we head into classes at 7:00. We’ll have HopeKids! and Hope Youth programs, in addition to our studies for adults (see details below).
- IDENTITY: Finding The Way To Know You Have Enough Worth Led by Pastor Mark
- MALACHI Led by Pastor Ryan
- RUTH Led by Pastor Dan beginning October 9th Cagey foreign relations, a nation in turmoil, and a people wandering away from God may feel like an accurate description of life today however it perfectly describes the setting for the Old Testament book of Ruth. One of the most powerful love stories in all of Scripture Ruth serves as a beautiful example of both commitment and obedience in every day life. Through this 4 week study we will explore the book of Ruth, see what it reveals about how God works in the mundane, and apply the eternal truths found to our own lives.
- DISCIPLESHIP Led by Pastor Mark beginning October 9th What do you think of when you hear the word disciple? Maybe you think about the Twelve Disciples that we read about in the Gospels. But did you know that it also applies to the followers of Jesus throughout the book of Acts? And that Jesus told the Twelve to go and make more disciples? That means that if you are a follower of Jesus, you are a disciple. So what does that mean for you? What is a disciple supposed to do? We’re going to take four short weeks to look at this idea. After this study is over, we’re going to create opportunities for you to be discipled and to disciple others!
NIGHT OF WORSHIP: October 2nd at 7:00
It’s been a few months since we’ve gathered together for a Night of Worship so don’t miss this special evening! It’s certainly easier to praise God when things seem to be going our way or we’re in the middle of answered prayers, but when the season we’re in is a difficult one, worshipping God becomes an act of faith – looking above our circumstances to a good God who is worthy of our praise. At this service, we’ll spend time reminding ourselves that God is still God in every season and come ready to praise His name. There will be donuts & coffee at 6:30, and WonderZone programs for nursery and preschool kiddos (0-5)!
PRAYER HUDDLE:
If you’re volunteering on a Sunday morning, whether its greeting, HopeKids!, in the sound booth, etc., please join us for a team prayer huddle! We want to gather together everyone who is serving to pray for the services. Meet at 8:40 in the GoZone!
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER:
Anyone can join us Sunday mornings at 8:30 in Pastor Mark’s office to pray for that morning’s services. Contact Bob Baumiester for more information (rbaumiester@gmail.com).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All month long Pastor Mark is teaching about the importance of connection, and how God uses community with each other to bring us salvation and battle against loneliness! One of the most vital ways we believe you can be connected here at Hope is through a Small Group. To explore our church-based groups, join a home-based group, or host your own group visit our website here. Our first Small Group study sheet is available in the lobby or for download here!IRON MEN: A Group for Dads
All fathers of children up through high school age are invited to join this small group where we can challenge, explore, and sharpen each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17) with intention to cultivate strong relationships with one another, build trust and grow a robust community of men who are not afraid to be vulnerable and support one another through life’s challenges big and small. We will be navigating through the book and study guide of “The Jesus Style”. We will challenge each other in biblical principles to become better leaders in our homes, here at Hope, at our work, and throughout all other aspects of our daily lives all while perusing growth in relationship with God. We will kickoff on Monday, October 7th from 7:00-8:30 and continue to meet on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month. No need to sign-up, just show up! If you have questions, please contact Bob Esser (856-889-7939) or Chris James (856) 693-9061).
HOPE HARVEST: Spread the news!
One of the ways we share the goodness of God is through fun and celebration! Let’s gather together for our second annual Hope Harvest on Saturday, October 19th from 3:00-6:00! Mark your calendar now for this FREE fall family event including giveaways, contests, live music, food and drinks – plus this year we’re also doing pony rides! Help spread the news to the community by sharing our social media posts, handing out flyers, and putting out yard signs! For general inquires, you can contact Emily DiLorenzo.
HOPE HARVEST: Volunteers & Donations
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to serve at an activity or food booth, or who signed-up to donate items! Because of you, we’re able to make this amazing event happen! We are still looking for volunteers to serve at our Balloon Animal station. No experience is necessary – we will teach you! If this is something you’d be will to do, please contact Dustin Ott. If you signed-up to donate, please bring your items back on October 6th, 9th, 13th, or 16th and place in the kitchen. (We will have designated areas clearly marked!) Thanks!
SEPTEMBER GWCM COLLECTION: Due back Sunday!
We’ve been collecting hygiene items for the GWCM Food Pantry! Throughout September, we are collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, disposable razors, deodorant, and dental floss. Please make sure items are full sized not travel size. These items need to be no taller than 10 inches in height. At the end of the month, we will host a packing event at Hope, where we will assemble these items. Your donations and participation can make a significant impact this Christmas. Please drop off your items at donation bins located at the front and back entrances. We also need people to join us for the “packing and pizza” event on Sunday, September 29th at 12:00 in the GoZone. If you’re available to help package these items for GWCM, sign-up in the lobby! Contact Jodi Jacoby for any questions.
LADIES BLACK & WHITE NIGHT: This Friday!
Who doesn’t love a fun theme night with friends? Come out and join us for our next ladies event, “Black & White” Night on Friday, September 27th from 7:00-9:00 here at Hope. We’ll enjoy some black & white desserts, coffee, and cold drinks too! Of course, we’ll have some fun games and a short devotion on living in harmony with like-minded friends and especially with friends who might think differently than we do. For an extra fun time, feel free to get fancy in black, white, or both! Contact Dana Ott with any questions.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR: Sign-up by this Sunday!
Calling all singers – Christmas Choir is back! It’s been a few years so we’re super excited for a choral presentation on December 15th at both Sunday services, HOWEVER, we need enough people to sign-up in order to pull this off! Whether you’ve been part of our Christmas choir in the past, or you are brand new to Hope, we would love for you to join us. Choir rehearsals will be on Saturday nights, from 7:00-8:30pm starting on October 12th and we’re planning to have childcare provided for anyone who needs it. We need enough people to sign up and commit to this 8-week rehearsal schedule in order to move forward – so please sign up by September 29th to be a part of this fun but powerful ministry opportunity! See Dana Ott with any questions or contact her for more information.
SEEDS OF HOPE: A Night of Celebration
We love partnering with Seeds of Hope all year long, and they would like to extend an invite to Hopers to join them for their annual “Night of Celebration” on October 10th from 6:00-8:00. There will be a time of fellowship, great appetizers and desserts in the lobby of Sovereign Grace Church. Live worship music will be playing in the lobby as we all have an opportunity to meet, talk with one another and deepen relationships. Right after that everyone will head into the sanctuary and the evening’s celebration will begin. Our hearts’ desire each year is that God will be glorified during the entire evening. We can’t wait to tell you about how the Lord has worked in each of the three branches of the ministry and share what we believe to be God’s heart going forward. To attend, purchase your ticket here.
FALL SCHEDULE: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00P
The Young Adults ministry at Hope is a group of post-high school through their twenties adults truly seeking to explore life, engage culture, and empower change while remaining ground in the Word of God. Join us as we start a new study in the book of James! And as always, we’ll have plenty of snacks and fun fellowship at each meeting!For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Brian & Wendy Ball at: briwensean@aol.com
HOPE YOUTH
HOPE YOUTH: Sundays from 6:00-8:00P
Please Note: No Youth Group on Sunday, September 29th due to OC Retreat!
All teens (6th-12th) are invited to join us every Sunday from 6-8PM for youth group! This year Hope Youth is diving deeper into God’s Word than ever before by exploring the repeated theme of water throughout Scripture! While we often take water for granted it was vital for people who lived during Bible times. As such it’s no surprise that Scripture is flooded with the theme of water, but how did the Biblical authors use this symbol and what does it mean for us today? Hope Youth will answer these questions and more through our year long theme called Living Water.
HOPE YOUTH ON WEDNESDAY:
If you’ve ever imagined that the Prophet Jonah sat and prayed on the tongue of giant whale, then this series is for you. At Hope Youth On Wednesday students will be taking an honest look at the famous Sunday School story and exploring what really happened, and crucially, how readers are meant to respond. Leave your picture bibles at home and get ready to get into the nitty-gritty of The Book of Jonah.
HOPE YOUTH CALENDAR:
Parents, stay up to date with everything happening on our calendar here!
JOIN OUR TEXT THREAD:
Stay in the loop for all of the most important notifications! Text “”hopeyouth” to (856) 420-6078 to start receiving updates this week!
For any questions about Hope Youth contact Pastor Dan at: danlein@
HOPE KIDS
SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAMS:
We offer childcare and classes from our littlest Hopers to our 5th graders every Sunday morning at both services. Each classroom is staffed with friendly, enthusiastic, background-checked team members to ensure your child’s safety. Our WonderZone! serves our youngest children from infants through Pre-K, who are full of wonder about who God is! K-5th graders gather in the GoZone! where we GO for God, GO for growth and GO forever.
HOPEKIDS! CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS:
It’s never too early for Christmas here at Hope! Our GoZone and WonderZone classes will be starting up practices with their Christmas Program music on October 13th, so make sure your kids are there—on time and ready to sing! We’ll also be handing out parent letters and CDs so that you have all the information you need. Our WonderZone program will be on Sunday, December 8th and our GoZone program will be on Sunday, December 22nd. We can’t wait for your kids to get involved!
HOPEKIDS! HANGOUT: Sundays from 6:00-8:00P
All K-5th graders are invited to attend HopeKids! Hangout on Sunday nights from 6-8PM! This program is designed to give our elementary schoolers space for extra fellowship, Bible study, and exciting games/activities with other believers their age. We’ll be digging deep into the Bible by continuing through our series “The Heart of God” and discovering what Scripture teaches us about the character and nature of our Creator!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN GOZONE:
1st-5th graders will love our fun and exciting midweek program, where we review Sunday morning’s Bible story with new videos, new games, new small group activities, and a WEEKLY Scripture Memory Verse Challenge! You don’t want your elementary schooler to miss out on this weekly opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and fellowship with other HopeKids!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN WONDERZONE:
Our Nursery team is excited to love on your little ones (0-2), while our Preschool team dives back in with our Alphabet Scripture Memory study! Our 3-5 year olds will pick up where we left off, learning a new Bible Verse each week and earning letters to add to their Scripture Sashes from the spring! Your kids will want to join us each Wednesday night to plant God’s Word in their hearts, earn all of their letters, build a foundation of faith, and even have a chance to connect with our Elementary kids every week!
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.